M1A Scout Squad: Master of Both CQB and DMR Roles?

I love the saying, “have your cake, and eat it too”. What if you had the capability and power of a hunting cartridge like the .308 for both eyes open close quarters shooting could very quickly switch to a LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) with 7X magnification and hit out to 500 yards easily? Would that have your interest?

[Catch Robert Sadowski’s explanation on the meaning of LPVO.]

Before we get to that, just a brief background and history on the M1A.

The Story

Most folks who love shooting and hunting are familiar with the M1A. Why? It is based on the iconic M14 rifle. Dating back to 1957, when it entered service, the M14 rifle replaced the standard-issue M1 Garand. However, it was soon decided that a rifle firing a smaller and lighter cartridge was needed. That rifle, the M16, replaced it not that long after.

However, many preferred the stopping power of the M14’s .308 cartridge and the ability to reach out and hit targets at distance over the M16. I have spoken to several Vietnam veterans who say they preferred the M14 over the M16. [Be sure to read Tom Laemlein’s article about the M14 in Vietnam.]

Many variations of the M14 were developed and continued to be used by the military as sniper rifles and designated marksman rifles. In Vietnam, the M14 was converted to the M21 sniper rifle. During the 21st century, the firearm was updated to the M21A5 “Crazy Horse” sniper rifle. The M14 has also been used to build up the Mk 14 EBR Mod 0 developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Because of the M14’s design and performance, there was great interest in the civilian and law enforcement markets in the United States. Springfield Armory created the semi-automatic version of the M14, the M1A, in 1974.

Since then, it has gained a robust following, leading to many variations of the original M1A, including the shorter, lighter, and more maneuverable M1A Scout Squad version. The M1A continues the iconic legacy of the original rifle today.

[Read: M1A Scout Squad Review]

Scouting It Out

This brings us to the M1A Scout Squad. The smaller caliber rifles of today no doubt dominate the field for good reason. However, there are many situations where the power and distance capability of the .308 is beneficial.

This brings us to the M1A Scout Squad, combining the legendary power and reliability of the M1A with quick handling and fast target acquisition. As a result, it’s perfect for hunting and self-defense.

Take a quick look at the details of the Scout Squad:

18” Barrel with a 1:11 six-grove carbon steel barrel (maintaining great ballistics and accuracy)
8.8 lbs synthetic stock, 9.3 lbs Walnut stock and 40.33” in length
Forward Scout Picatinny rail (allowing ability to attach optics quick and easy)
Two-Stage NM Trigger (outstanding trigger)
National Match Front Sight 0.062” blade (improved accuracy)
Unique Muzzle Brake for decreasing perceived recoil
Detachable magazine

A Different Breed?

Modern sporting rifles (MSRs) are the fastest-growing hunting platform for all the reasons we just discussed. The classic “bolt-action” hunting rifle with an HPVO (or High Power Variable Optic) is still preferred by many. It does have its limitations, though. It is great for long-range precision shooting, but it can be challenging in close quarters or thick brush or completely impractical in tactical situations.

As noted, what if you had the capability and power of a hunting cartridge like the .308 for both eyes open close quarters shooting, but literally in seconds could switch to an LPVO with 7X magnification and hit out to 500 yards easily? In addition, you could remove either optic and transition to your fixed iron sights in a second.

What if you could do this as much as you want, as often as you want, and keep a good zero on all three? That is exactly what we can do with the Scout Squad with QD (quick detach) optics and the forward mount Picatinny rail on this gun.

This provides incredible versatility for applications for both hunting and tactical situations that you just can’t get with a traditional bolt-action hunting rifle. You can easily carry the optic(s) in a backpack and swap out as needed for the situation.

First, let’s take a look at what I chose for the optics for this article.

Scout Scope: Burris Scout 2-7×32

I selected the Burris Scout 2-7×32 based on reviews and Field Of View (FOV). Being able to clearly see the FOV being mounted that far forward is critical. The huge advantage of a scope of this design (scout scope) is you can easily shoot both eyes open, increasing situational awareness and much larger FOV.

This optic had all that I was looking for the Scout Squad M1A:

Variable power for close to midrange with improved accuracy over a red dot or iron sights
Generous 9.2 to 12” eye relief
Ability to shoot both eyes open if needed at close range
Completely “toolless” use for in the field both QD and adjustments to optic
Lightweight at only 13 oz.
High-grade glass and multi-coatings to increase light transmission
Shockproof, waterproof and fogproof (nitrogen-filled)
Burris’ “Forever Warranty”

[Read Richard Mann’s article on M1A scout scopes.]

Red Dot: Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic

Choosing the red dot was much more difficult with so many options available. It needed to be tough as nails, proven, and reliable with a QD mount. That really helped narrow down the selection and brought me to the Aimpoint PRO.

It’s not the smallest or lightest, but there’s no question this is a proven battle sight our military used for decades. It should be perfect for the harshest conditions we would encounter on a hunt in harsh, difficult terrain or a tactical situation.

Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof up to 150’ and temperatures of -49° to + 160°F
Weight 7.8 oz.
2 MOA red dot
1X (non-magnifying) operationally parallax-free for fast target acquisition with both eyes open.
30,000 hours (over 3 years) of constant on with one battery (DL1/3N) on setting 7
QD Mount with flip-up lens covers — front is solid, and rear is transparent, allowing user to shoot with both eyes open and lens caps closed I an emergency situation
Retainer straps for adjustment caps

Swapping It Out

So, the question is, can we get these optics zeroed and quickly and easily swap between them multiple times, engage targets at the appropriate distances and keep zero?

I started off with the Burris LPVO Scout scope and got it zeroed at 100 yards. The rifle showed a real preference for heavier bullets and, since I had lots of 168 grain, I dialed that in at 100 yards with three shots all in the 2” bullseye. I immediately turned my bench to the 500-yard steel target and easily hit 4/5 with a mild wind. I called that good and in seconds, had the Aimpoint on and ready to zero at 50 yards.

I quickly put three shots in the 2” circle at 50 yards. It is important to note that all the shooting I did with the Aimpoint was with both eyes open, as that is the entire point with using a red dot on this gun. I wanted to quickly be able to bring the rifle up and get off accurate shots for those situations where I need that speed, but also as much FOV and situational awareness as possible, like in thick brush with potentially a large, dangerous animal or a tactical situation in confined quarters.

I was easily able to do this at 50, 100 and even 200 yards standing. I wanted to really put it to the test, so I used Russian Steel cased Tulammo and rang the steel at 200 yards. That was the reason for the zero at 50 yards — to be able to just put the dot center mass at any distance between 25-200 yards and pull the trigger and hit. It did not disappoint.

All that was left to do was just keep taking the optics on/off and make sure they kept zero and hitting the steel. Every time, I was able to hit out to 500 yards with the Burris and then hit 200 with the Aimpoint. I didn’t keep going back to 50 or under with the Aimpoint because if I can continue to hit at 200, it clearly kept its zero and was just a waste of ammo shooting closer than that.

Just for fun, between shooting with the optics, I jumped on the bench with the iron sights (not remembering if I zeroed it) and hit the steel at 300 yards. Before calling it a wrap, I wanted to see how the Burris was grouping at 100 yards after taking it on and off several times. Much to my surprise, it kept zero and seemed like the groups were getting tighter.

Bottom Line

I believe you can have your cake and eat it too with this setup and multiple options for multiple distances and environments with a gun that is proven and has PUNCH. It’s a winner in my book!

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